Every January marks the biggest Tech Convention in the world—a Consumer Electronics Show that infuses the vibrancy of Las Vegas with suited ladies and gentlemen engaging in tech discussions at bars and even roulette tables. With each passing year, the automotive world claims a larger slice of the convention, showcasing tech integration in their cars, especially those with an electric DNA. Examining the marketing strategies of auto manufacturers reveals a plethora of features, from flashy Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to infotainment screen sizes. They boast about the increasing number of screens, but in reality, many of these may be unnecessary.
The days of enjoying a silent drive away from other screens are over. Cars are becoming incessant communicators, bombarding drivers with safety features displayed on screens behind the steering wheel, making you nostalgic for a simple analogue odometer.
Honda unveiled a car at CES featuring a large screen below the bonnet where a conventional number plate would be. Instead of displaying registration details, you can now stream your birthday party footage for the outside world to see. Companies like Xiaomi and Oppo are working on turning cars into extensions of smartphones. Starting as electric vehicles (EVs), these cars will eventually be adorned with screens everywhere. However, this tech overload may turn even a minor accident into a chaotic tech junkyard.
As the automotive industry moves towards standardizing suspension, handling, and incorporating driving aids, driving skills will shift towards resembling those of gamers. This transformation may compromise your natural reflex system, keeping your anxiety levels consistently high. The silver lining is that vehicles will seamlessly communicate with each other, infrastructure, and pedestrians, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing overall road safety. The integration of 5G technology will be instrumental in creating data-driven car hubs. Smart mobility solutions like ride-sharing and on-demand services will reshape personal transportation. Nevertheless, the joy of long drives with loved ones will no longer be reminiscent of free-flowing conversations, laughter, and emotional bonding. Instead, drives will be inundated with tech notifications, resembling the constant interruptions of modern smartphones.
The future of cars is on the brink of a radical transformation, driven by technological, environmental, and societal factors. Peering into the automotive crystal ball reveals a future where technology surpasses the importance of the machines themselves. There’s a hope that manufacturers avoid overkill, preserving the love for machines rather than turning it into a regrettable breakoff. Less is more—let’s embrace a future with fewer tech distractions in our cars.
